Grab an Easter basket and some pastel clothing, because Easter and the Easter bunny are on their way! Whether you’re looking for a fun Easter egg hunt for the kids or brunch for the fam so you don’t have to cook, we have compiled it all into one place for you.
Egg Hunts
West Lakes Hy-Vee Easter Scramble
Right off Jordan Creek Parkway, West Lakes Hy-Vee is hosting an “easter scramble”, a family-friendly event of Easter egg hunts and photos with the Easter bunny. Starting at 11 a.m. on April 4, there will be an egg hunt for ages 1-3 years old, another at 11:20 a.m. for kids ages 4-7 years old, and a final one at 11:40 a.m. for kids ages 8-12 years old. All eggs include sweet treats and surprises for the whole family!
Glowtastic Egg Hunt
The DSM Children’s Museum is hosting a special glow-in-the-dark egg hunt after hours from 6-8 p.m. on April 3, with all regular museum exhibits open! This is a candy and treat-free event, so eggs can be hunted for as many times as possible. However, there is a scavenger hunt that can be completed for a prize! Admission is $10 for kids ages 1-9 and $4 for kids ages 10 and up. (Come early for a sensory-friendly egg hunt hour from 5-6 p.m.).
Big Grove All-Ages Egg Hunts
On April 5, Big Grove will be hosting more Easter activities including egg hunts for all ages after their brunch. Starting at 9:30 a.m., kids ages 1-3 years old will kick off the egg hunt extravaganza. Then, every 30 minutes afterward is a new age group, finishing up with an adults-only egg hunt at 11 a.m. The Easter bunny will also be hopping around for some photo ops! Reservations are recommended, especially for groups of 6+, so call 515-777-2337 to reserve your table today.
Eggstravaganza: The Egg Hunt for Dogs with the ARL
Egg hunts don’t have to be just for kiddos; your four-legged friend could use some Easter fun too! When your dog touches their nose to the plastic egg, it’s theirs. On March 28, enjoy a walking trail full of Easter eggs for hunting, treats, and a photo-op. After the hunt, Bailey’s Dog Park is hosting off-leash time with yard games, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets are $10, and you can add a photo-op for an additional $10. Or get the $25 Hoppin Bundle! Register here.
Doggy Easter Egg Hunt at Paws & Pints
Pups are truly getting all the attention this Easter! Bring yours to Paws & Pints on April 4 from 12-2 p.m. to search for 200+ hidden eggs around the backyard, containing a number for some pretty cool prizes, memberships, and more. One lucky winner will get a free Lifetime Fitness membership! And of course, there’ll be plenty of Easter photo ops around to commemorate this event.
Egg Hunt on the Hill at Terrace Hill
On March 28, from 1-2:30 p.m., Terrace Hill is hosting their annual egg hunt for kids ages 1-10 years old. This special (and free!) event includes special photo ops with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, eggs on a stick from the Iowa Egg Council, balloon animals, face painting, and delicious Easter cookies.
Activities & Events
Family Easter at Living History Farms
It’s Easter at Walnut Hill, the 1876 town in Living History Farms on Saturday, April 4. Celebrate the old-fashioned way with egg hunts for toddlers all the way up to 12-year-olds, Easter games and crafts, demonstrations at historic sites, horse-drawn carriage rides, “spring training” with the Walnut Hill Bluestockings (their baseball league) and get a picture with the Easter Bunny! Get your family’s tickets here.
Brunch & Bowling at Backpocket Brewing
You and your kids won’t want to miss this! On April 4 starting at 9:45 a.m., Backpocket is hosting an Easter brunch with a variety of breakfast pizza options, including mimosas, bloody marys, lattes, juice, and more. There’ll be face painting and photo ops with the Easter bunny, as well as half-price bowling for everyone! Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and over, and $15 for ages 13 and under. This is a reservation-only event, so make yours here.
Fun with Flowers at Barista’s Bouquet
Our favorite flower and coffee shop is hosting a special Easter-themed flower arrangement class on April 4! Starting at 2:30 p.m., participants will learn how to arrange a beautiful centerpiece for their Easter gatherings or to simply brighten up the home. Tickets are $50 and include hands-on instruction and an arrangement to take home. Purchase your ticket here.
Church Basement Ladies at The Ingersoll
While not necessarily “Easter-themed”, the Church Basement Ladies still bring about a sense of nostalgia in their performance with an ode to the Midwest traditions of these churchgoing women who bond over casseroles and navigate their lives through song. This musical comedy is performing during Easter weekend on April 4 and April 5, including a chef-curated dinner with every show ticket. Learn more and buy your tickets here.
Botanically Dyed Eggs at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Throw away that food coloring and try something new this Easter! On April 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., learn how eggs are dyed with natural, plant-based dyes and botanical decorations from the experts at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Tickets are $34 for members and $45 for non-members and can be purchased here.
“The Easter Bunny Cake Your Mom Used to Make” at Molly’s Frozen
It’s exactly how it sounds! Learn how to make the classic nostalgic bunny cake your mom, aunt, or grandma used to make for your Easter celebrations. Plan a fun night out with family, friends, or your S.O on April 2 from 6- 7:30 p.m. with this cake decorating class. No experience is required, and tickets are $50 per person.
“Hoppy” Cupcake Decorating Class at Molly’s Frozen
If you missed out on the chance to decorate your own cake (or you just like cupcakes more), then check out this cupcake decorating class on April 4 from 2-3 p.m. Learn how to make a bunny-shaped “cake” out of decorated cupcakes, and take it home for a perfectly delicious Easter dessert. Tickets are $50 per person.
Hop into Uptown in Uptown Ankeny
On April 4 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., explore the Uptown Ankeny district with family-friendly, fun Easter activities! Get your pic with the Easter bunny, ride the Uptown Express, and take part in the scavenger hunt for eggs. Uptown Ankeny stores will also be open for business, so you can do some shopping and meet members of the community.
Easter Brunch & Dinner
Brunch at Gilroy’s
Over in West Des Moines, Gilroy’s is hosting an “all you care to eat” Easter brunch on April 4 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and April 5 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy brunch classics like biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, frittatas, French toast, and so much more. Adults are $39.99 and kids ages 7-12 are $18.99 (kids 6 and under are free). Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made here.
Easter Brunch at Rollins Mansion
On Sunday, April 5, enjoy an elegant Easter brunch that invites you to dress in your Sunday best and partake in a seasonal brunch buffet. This family-friendly event is the perfect setting for Easter memories with your loved ones. Enjoy a chef-crafted selection of classic brunch foods and get photos with the Easter bunny. Doors open at 10 a.m. with brunch to follow at 10:30. Tickets are $45 for adults, $30 for kids between the ages of 4 and 13, and kids under 3 are free. Make your reservations here.
AJ’s Easter Brunch
AJ’s Steakhouse in Altoona is hosting an all-day Easter features menu on April 5 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., you can indulge in their brunch menu featuring all of your favorite breakfast food items, including carved ham, lamb chops, prime rib, and more. Reservations are highly recommended, make yours here.
Easter Buffet at Jethro’s (Ames & Waukee)
Jethro’s BBQ is hosting two buffets at their Ames and Waukee locations! Be sure to check them out on social media when they release more information regarding menus and reservations.
Easter Dinner at Splash Seafood
Trade in your Easter brunch for a dinner you won’t forget at Splash Seafood. On Easter Sunday, April 5, Splash is serving up fresh seafood from 2-6 p.m., with half-off martinis and half-price bottles of wine. Reservations can be made by calling 515-244-5686 or online here.
Easter Brunch at HOQ
Enjoy Easter brunch in style with the farm to table experts at HOQ on April 5. Their chefs are cooking up a delicious brunch menu of breakfast items, pastries, and more (including a special kid's menu). Options are available for those with dietary restrictions, and a cocktail/bar menu will be provided. Reservations can be made here or by calling 515-244-1213.
Easter Brunch at Flora Cafe
Nothing says “spring” quite like a brunch surrounded by beautiful flowers, plants, and greenery. Flora Cafe at the Botanical Garden is hosting an Easter brunch on April 5, including a buffet of hot breakfast items, fruit, pastries, coffee, and brunch beverages. Limited seating is available with pricing at $45 per person, so make a reservation by contacting flora@dmbotanicalgarden.com or by calling 515-323-6288.
